


Ask the community...
Thanks everyone for explaining this! I was also confused about who pays what. It's nice to know that as employees we're covered without having to track contributions ourselves.
Welcome to the unemployment club, OP! It's not fun but the benefits really help while you're job searching. Take advantage of the time to maybe learn new skills or network. Some people actually find better jobs while on unemployment than what they had before.
BTW if anyone needs to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD about their claim, that Claimyr thing really does work. I was stuck in adjudication limbo for weeks and couldn't get through. Used their service and finally got answers about what was holding up my claim. Check out their demo video if you're curious how it works.
One thing to keep in mind - even if you get approved, you'll need to keep filing your weekly claims and doing job searches. Washington ESD has work search requirements that you need to meet to keep getting benefits.
I think it's 3 job search activities per week but check the Washington ESD website for current requirements.
If you need help navigating all the weekly claim stuff or have questions about your claim status, claimyr.com made it way easier for me to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD when I had issues.
The bottom line is that getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. The reason matters more than the fact that you were terminated. File your claim and let Washington ESD make the determination.
Has anyone had success reaching Washington ESD to ask about getting a tax document early or anything like that? I want to start preparing my taxes as soon as possible.
I actually got through to them using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. The agent told me the 1099-G forms go out in the last week of January typically.
This whole discussion has made me realize I should probably talk to a tax preparer this year instead of doing it myself. The unemployment income adds a whole new layer of complexity.
Aurora Lacasse
One thing to remember - even if you get initially denied, you can appeal and often win if you have good documentation. Don't give up after the first decision.
0 coins
Elijah O'Reilly
•Good advice. I'll make sure to gather all my documentation before filing.
0 coins
Anthony Young
•Appeals have a pretty good success rate if you have legitimate reasons for the attendance issues
0 coins
Charlotte White
The whole system is designed to make you give up. Keep pushing through the bureaucracy and eventually you'll get the help you need. I had to use Claimyr twice during my claim just to get basic questions answered.
0 coins
Elijah O'Reilly
•Seems like that service is becoming essential for dealing with Washington ESD these days.
0 coins
Admin_Masters
•Sad but true - the regular phone system is basically useless now
0 coins